Norfolk’s work-based chaplains alerted to slavery

On Monday, November 27, a raid was carried out on a business in Swaffham as a result of police receiving information that a number of workers had been trafficked and were being exploited. Following the raid three men were arrested and six workers were taken to a reception centre.

This incident highlights that human trafficking is a real concern in Norfolk – one that was discussed at the Good Work (Norfolk and Waveney Industrial Mission)Conference last month.

Caroline Virgo from The Clewer Initiative addressed the conference which aims to resource and network work-based chaplains. Caroline provided the chaplains, who minister to work-place situations, with an overview of The Clewer Initiative’s work.

The Clewer Initiative is a three-year project to enable Church of England dioceses and wider church networks to develop strategies to detect modern slavery in their communities and help provide victim support and care.

Caroline stressed to the 30 delegates, that as with other crimes, it is important to report any suspicion of human trafficking to the police.

In January 2018 The Clewer Initiative is hosting a Modern Slavery Summit in Norwich in partnership with the Eastern Baptist Association.

The Summit, which will include training by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and input from the police, is designed to give a thorough grounding on what modern slavery looks like in Norfolk and the UK, and how to spot the signs.